James Ogden Smith

Paul Young Funeral Home is assisting the Family

Obituary via Paul Young Funeral Home

We are sad to announce the passing of James Ogden Smith, age 103, of (West Chester) Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was born in Heidelberg, Kentucky in 1920 to Lillian and Preston Taulbee Smith. He had 6 siblings (Ora, Mae, Ruby, Dradie, Hazel and Taylor).

Jim survived two wives (the late Doris Johnson and Grace Callon). He is survived by many loving children and stepchildren; Randy (Debbie) Smith, Rhonda Heithaus, Tammy (Rob) Williams, David (the late Patti) Callon, the late Doug Callon (Kathy), Dawn (Greg) Sexton and Dean (Donna) Callon. He was very proud of 14 grandchildren (Laura Ashley, John, Jennifer, DJ, Brian, Chrissy, Ian, Gary, Avery, Sara, Dana, Laura Ann, Kyle, and Matthew) and 19 great grandchildren. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends that he loved.

Jim graduated from Woodward High School. After high school, he enlisted with the Marine Corps in 1939. He was a combat veteran who served (1939-1946) as an anti-tank gun section leader in the South Pacific in World War II. He was with the Special Weapons Battalion, 1st Marine Division serving in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and Cape Gloucester. Jim remained a proud Marine until his final days.

He was employed by Standard Publishing in Mt. Healthy for most of his career and retired in 1992.

In retirement, Jim loved to golf, read, travel, work in the yard, enjoy the many flavors of UDF ice cream, and spend time with family and friends. He attended every high school and college graduation ceremony for all his children and grandchildren across the country. Jim was an intellect and a voracious reader. He was a very good resource for national and world affairs. His opinions were always sought after by his children and grandchildren. He was an avid photographer in his younger years, and he took many pictures in his lifetime (just ask anyone in the family as we each have 20+ photo albums of pictures he took).

Jim was an extremely humble man from the Greatest Generation. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by his family and many friends for his hugs, steadfast loyalty and quiet leadership.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Paul R. Young Funeral Home (Mt. Healthy) from 2 – 5pm. Funeral Services to follow on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 11:00am at Paul R. Young Funeral Home (Mt. Healthy) and graveside ceremony at the Rose Garden at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy.

Flowers are appreciated, however, in lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution in Jim’s honor to Hospice of Southwest Ohio (7625 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243). Hospice of Southwest Ohio